[SailNet Archive]

I have been sailing a Macgregor 22 for a number of years and would highly reccommend one for starting out. It has a heavy swing keel which is a lot more reassuring than a small dingy that is easily capsizable. It trailers nicely and launches just about anywhere off the trailer. I started out with smaller boats but moved up to this one for greater comfort level with children in rough water. (Someone out there mentioned they have one for sale.)

 

[SailNet Archive]

Another two cents worth....

I would encourage someone reasonably young to start out small also. There is just nothing quite like the thrill of learning on a small boat. When you get out on a good breezy day, with the boat heeling as you sail close to the wind...main sheet in one hand and tiller in the other...fighting to keep it right on the edge...feels like you''re traveling about 60 miles an hour (in reality your lucky to be doing 5 or 6).
In short..buy something small to learn on...a few hundred bucks for the learning experience, and you can always buy the big boat later.

 

[SailNet Archive]

EricS., A laser is a great boat to learn to sail on. They are cheap, easily trailerable and very easy to rig.